Temple of Kumari, the Living Goddess

Approx. Time: 2 hours
Activity Level: Easiest

The temple or the residence of Living Goddess Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. It was built by Jaya Prakash Malla, the last Malla King of Kathmandu. Though certain aspects of Kumari-worship and her annual festival parade existed among the Nepalese in the ancient times also, the chariot festival in the present form was inaugurated by him in the mid-eighteenth century. The non-Hindu visitors may enter the courtyard, but may not go beyond that. The Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her balcony window.

Kumari, who is also known as the Virgin Goddess, requires some restrictions: she must be of the Newari Shakya caste, a virgin with no body marks of injuries. When she reaches puberty she is replaced by another Kumari.

Courtesy of the India Tourism Board

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